Chinese state media recently faced a controversial moment when it published and then deleted an article criticizing President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The Global Times editorial labeled Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as desperate moves. The article cited Chinese experts who pointed to Biden’s declining health, poor debate performance, and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump as factors behind his decision.
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, called the decision to replace Biden with Harris rational but belated. The article suggested that internal pressures within the Democratic Party and fears of losing the election led to Biden’s withdrawal. However, the article was quickly removed from the Global Times website, raising questions about Beijing’s intentions.
Chinese social media platforms were active with discussions about Biden’s exit. Weibo, China’s heavily moderated social media platform, saw a trending topic on Biden’s withdrawal attract over 400 million views. Users expressed mixed reactions, with many predicting an increased likelihood of Trump winning the election. Some commenters doubted Harris’s ability to unify the Democratic Party and effectively compete against Trump.
The deletion of the Global Times article underscores the Chinese government’s careful navigation of international political developments. While the initial media reactions reflected skepticism about the Democrats’ strategy, the subsequent removal suggests a strategic decision to avoid influencing or appearing biased in the U.S. political landscape. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election progresses, China’s media and public responses will continue to be closely observed, highlighting the complex interplay between global politics and media representation.
